Alcohol consumption among French physicians: A cross-sectional study

The consumption of psychoactive substances among French physicians: how do they perceive the creation of a dedicated healthcare system?

Introduction

Substance use among physicians can have negative impacts on their health, quality of life, and patient care. While Physician Health Programs (PHPs) have proven effective, many physicians with substance use disorders (SUDs) still face obstacles in seeking help. Our study explores the expectations, attitudes, and experiences of French physicians regarding the implementation of a specialized healthcare system (SHS) for addiction, and their opinions on the factors that could improve the effectiveness of such a service, with a focus on substance use disorders (SUDs).

Methods

We conducted a web-based survey from April 15 to July 15, 2021, which included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and attitudes toward a specialized healthcare system (SHS) for physicians with SUDs.

Results

Of the 1,093 respondents (62.5% female), 921 consumed alcohol (84.2%), and 336 (36.4%) were categorized as hazardous drinkers (AUDIT-C ≥ 4 for women and ≥ 5 for men). The mean AUDIT-C score was 3.5 (±1.7 SD), with a range from 1 to 12. Factors associated with hazardous alcohol consumption included coffee consumption [OR 1.53 (1.11-2.12)], psychotropic drug use [OR 1.61 (1.14-2.26)], cannabis use [OR 2.96 (1.58-5.55)], and other drug use [OR 5.25 (1.92-14.35)]. On the other hand, having children was associated with non-hazardous alcohol consumption [OR 0.62 (0.46-0.83)]. Only 27 physicians (2.9%) had consulted a specialist in addiction medicine, while 520 (56.4%) expressed interest in such a consultation. The main barriers to accessing a dedicated consultation were denial (16.3%), physician self-medication (14.3%), fear of judgment (12.8%), and confidentiality concerns (10.2%).

Conclusion

A specialized consultation with trained professionals in a neutral location can improve access to care for healthcare workers and maintain patient confidentiality and anonymity. Prevention and awareness can reduce addiction stigma and help peers in need. The improvement of healthcare workers' addiction culture and detection of addictive behavior in peers depends on academic addiction medicine.

A Medical Resident with a History of Alcohol Abuse and Suicidal Ideation: A Challenge for Both Psychiatry and Occupational Medicine in the Context of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

This case study draws attention to the hazards of physicians with a history of alcohol addiction and a particular psychopathology framework in the context of occupational health surveillance, particularly during the challenging working conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The case involves a hospital resident in her thirties, with a previous history of addiction and attempts at suicide, who was assigned to a COVID-19 unit of an Italian hospital. In this case study, we discuss the preventive intervention put in place in order to protect physicians' health and work. What emerges is the key role that rapid substantive communications between specialists play in formulating an effective strategy for dealing with these conditions. We believe this case is noteworthy for the lessons that can be learned for tailoring prevention and treatment pathways for health care workers with addiction.

Alcohol Use and Misuse Among Chinese Psychiatrists During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

AIM

Survey alcohol use and misuse among Chinese psychiatrists during the Coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted a large-scale, nationwide online survey of psychiatrists regarding their alcohol use during the pandemic. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C) was used to assess alcohol use and misuse.

RESULTS

Of 3,815 psychiatrists who completed the survey, alcohol use and misus were 47.5% and 8.2%, respectively, and both were significantly higher in males. The majority (59%) reported no change in alcohol use during the pandemic, one-third (34.5%) reported a decrease, and 6.5% reported an increase. Alcohol misuse was associated with middle-age (OR = 1.418), male sex (OR = 5.089), Northeast China (OR = 1.507), cigarette-smoking (OR = 2.335), insomnia (OR = 1.660), and regular exercise (OR = 1.488). A master's degree (OR = 0.714) and confidence in clinical work (OR = 0.610) were associated with less alcohol misuse. Those who reported a decrease in alcohol use during the pandemic were more likely to be male (OR = 2.011), located in Northeast China (OR = 1.994), and feel confident in their clinical work (OR = 1.624). Increased alcohol use was significantly associated with insomnia (OR = 3.139).

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol use and misuse among Chinese psychiatrists declined. While males were more likely to misuse alcohol, they were also more likely to have reduced their intake. Age, location, and lifestyle factors also predicted alcohol use and misuse. Further examination of specific factors that reduced alcohol use and misuse may help guide public health efforts to sustain the lower rates beyond the pandemic.

Determinants of Alcohol Consumption among Medical Students: Results from POLLEK Cohort Study

Background: The use of alcohol is a serious public health concern all over the world, especially among young people, including students. Medical students are often exposed to higher levels of distress, which may lead to a higher prevalence of psychoactive substance use and psychiatric co-morbidities. Alcohol abuse can be one of the detrimental methods of coping with distress. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol use among medical students in Poland. Methods: We analyzed data from the POLLEK cohort study on alcohol consumption and possible influencing factors. Results: Among the 540 students included, 167 (30.9%) were hazardous drinkers (HAZ) according to the AUDIT test. The main identified risk factors of hazardous/harmful drinking were male gender and smoking cigarettes. Conclusions: Given the fairly widespread alcohol abuse among medical students, it is necessary to implement screening (and intervention in the next stage) programs in these groups.